Habitat for Humanity ReStore

"Not sure how many stars to give. I came to Restore just out of curiosity a few weeks ago and was very impressed by what I saw. They had an excellent selection of alot of items I buy regularly new as a handyman for rentals or budget fixes/remodels. I spoke with a girl at length about their donation process and how it all works and I left feeling pretty good. I remodel ALOT of houses every year and I often think to myself that I throw to much good stuff away when we do demos and such. The girl I spoke with said I could donate almost anything building material wise. I told her I currently have some antique doors and trim from a 200 year old farmhouse I was just going to toss and asked if they would take them. I told her the doors were pretty rough and would need sanded and reworked to be nice again, and the trim would need nails pulled and sanding etc. She said they take everything in any condition and if they can't use it they will throw it away. I left feeling pretty good after that conversation, I was extremely happy that I had seemingly found a way to stop creating so much waste, help other people, and of course as a business owner maybe get a few extra tax write offs. Sounded like a win win to me. Everyone there was so polite and kind the first day. So fast forward to me attempting to donate the items mentioned above. I called beforehand because I wanted to confirm what I was told. Nobody answered so I brought them to the store and a guy opened the door to look at it. The guy said he had to get his manager to accept a donation. I said no problem. While I was waiting I browsed the store a bit, the selection was not as good but I imagine they move a lot of stuff quickly. I saw the guy coming back with the manager so I followed them to my truck and I overheard the manager say to his employee "nah if we don't want to deal with it just tell them no its all junk." I didn't realize he was talking about the stuff I had brought right away. The manager then went and looked at the stuff and told me "I can't take any of this stuff it's to rough." Which is fine, I had been skeptical to say the least. I told the manager I had tried to call before I came just to double check but nobody answered. He said that was weird because they always answer (their voice-mail says they get to many calls and it might take them days to respond lol.) I told him I remodel a lot and I throw a lot of stuff away and listed stuff I have quite frequently and asked if they accepted any of that. He got a look that was kinda mixed with annoyance and disgust on his face and said "well we do but after seeing this stuff im hesitant to accept anything from you." Like ok dude, it's 100 year old doors and trim and I'm donating it of course it's going to be rough but isn't the point to offer people an alternative to purchasing expensive new stuff? If an item is 80% off the new price I'd think a little sanding or nail pulling wouldn't be unexpected? He then went on to confirm that no in fact, that is not the point to provide salvageable items for people in need to use. He said "this is Hamilton County, we need nicer stuff here." Like dude it's a donation center? I know it's Hamiton County, I grew up here, I live here. After that statement I began to feel that maybe my personal appearance was also part of the issue. I am not your typical real estate investor, I get dirty. I do my own work. My glasses are duct taped from sliding off roofs, I am covered in tattoos, Im more at home at a punk show than a real estate convention of the Home Show. I don't present as a typical wealthy Hamilton County resident. It's unfortunate that I was so hype on the whole idea of donating and giving back then after this judgemental interaction with this manager I think I will pass on donating anything, material, labor, or otherwise. The write offs and karma aren't worth the insult. I went way out of my way to try and help, what an awful way to lose customers. I told several people about what you offered after the first visit. Now I will be encouraging them not to donate either."

"Great place to find a bargain on different items for the house and garage. I would recommend"

"I purchased 2 bathroom vanities and one outdoor set on different outings at different Restore locations around Indy. I am thrilled with everything. The staff helped me load up. It was a win-win all around!"

"I understand that Employees have to be paid among other expenses... But their prices are not much cheaper than buying new! I frequent the Store off 96th. And I am appalled by their pricing! I wanted to replace a broken basement window,with one that would fit,and the price was$189.00! A similar window at lowes was only a few dollars more. We've donated to Habitat our selves. But I wont anymore....they dont seem help the less fortunate, like Goodwill does. They're just In it to make as much Money as they can,by overpricing donated free items. Very Sad."

"It's a great place because donations go to a worthy cause, but if you are looking for second hand items at a fair price, definitely keep your options open. As other reviews mention most items are steeply priced. But if you are patient and pay a couple visits you will come across a great bargain occasionally."